Well, it’s an observable swelling that comes from a fluid accumulation in body tissues.

And, edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it’s referred to as peripheral edema.

The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues. We already have fluid there, the interstitial fluid, but this is more than usual.

Other parts of the body, such as the face and hands, can also be affected.

As many of us know after a long day of shopping (or walking around an art museum, or just standing on our feet) – swelling or edema around the ankles etc., can happen. And, it can happen to anyone.

At night, the fluid tends to drain from the legs so that foot/ankle edema is usually less obvious when you get up in the morning.

But, is it serious?

Well, depending on how extreme it is and how long it’s been there… it could be!

Types of Edema

Most of us will have experienced edema in our everyday life.

We’ll notice that our rings don’t fit or our ankles are a little puffy. And if you’ve had a little too much alcohol, you’ll see it in the morning – right before your eyes – in that puffy face of yours.

It comes and it goes but if it stays – well that could mean something different..,

There are 2 main types of edema:

In non-pitting edema, which usually affects the legs or arms, pressure that is applied to the skin does not result in a persistent indentation.

Pitting edema which can be demonstrated by applying pressure to the swollen area by depressing the skin with a finger, and a persistent indentation occurs. That means that the skin does not spring back but rather the indentation from your finger pressure remains, which indicates something more serious.

Edema has been described as the result of venous ulceration, which is often caused by an increase in tissue pressure (increased fluid within the tissue) because of increased capillary permeability.

Some Causes of Edema

Certainly, there can be many causes for edema. Some are fleeting as I mentioned above, while others are much more serious.

If you have edema (or any swelling) and don’t know the cause, it’s important that you see your doctor. You’ll feel better to know that nothing is wrong… or, if there is, you’ll want to know that too.

Edema of the ankles and lower legs can be mild and passing or, it can accompany other conditions, including obesity, diseased leg veins, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, and severe malnutrition. It might also be a characteristic of congestive heart failure.

And, there could be other factors that might contribute to its onset, including:

Eating a poor diet that’s high in salt and carbohydrates
Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy pills
Pregnancy and PMS
Sodium retention
Varicose veins and history of phlebitis
Allergic reactions
Neuromuscular disorders
Trauma
Abusing drugs

Symptoms:

One symptom is when, initially, the feet and legs will appear swollen as the day progresses, but after a period of time, the swelling will set in first thing in the morning and continue to worsen throughout the day.

There’s probably a certain amount of edema that we can live with when it’s found to not be a problem.
But, it can become serious – particularly if the edema is advanced and has been around for a while – it might cause pitting (as mentioned above, when you press on the swollen area for a few seconds, you will notice an indentation in that area that continues long after the finger-pressure is removed). Continued swelling can cause skin ulcerations.

Over time, other symptoms could develop as a result of the fluid retention and the pressure on the tissue and the body:

High blood pressure
Headaches
pressure on the skin
Increased urination
Palpitations
Swollen hands and/or wrists
puffiness of the face around the eyes , in the feet, ankles, and legs
weight gain

Salt Intake and Edema

Okay, we know that food tastes better with salt and that’s why so many products and restaurants load their food up with it.

It’s usually in vast quantities in processed foods. Even ‘health foods’ can have lots and lots of salt (it’s a pity that salt, sugar and fat are things that make food taste better and are overused in our culture).

Almost anything can be okay in moderation – but we’re way over the top with these foods.

The body’s balance of salt is usually well-regulated. A normal person can consume relatively small or large quantities of salt in the diet (although extremes are best avoided) without concern for developing salt depletion or retention.

The amount of salt excreted by the kidneys is regulated by hormonal and physical factors that signal whether retention or removal of salt by the kidneys is necessary.

If someone has a kidney disease that impairs the function of the kidneys – the ability to excrete salt in the urine is limited.

In some conditions, the amount of salt in the body increases, and this may cause a person to retain water and develop edema.

Common Treatments

Over the counter diuretics containing ammonium chloride and caffeine (think Aqua-Ban) are sold with the promise to relieve symptoms related to edema. More severe edematous conditions require medical attention.
Treatment of edema with prescription medications is limited to the use of diuretics, commonly referred to as “water pills.”

Commonly, treatment consists of managing the underlying condition, which may include: inadequate nutrition; liver, heart, and kidney disease; or obstruction of blood or lymph flow. In some cases, a salt-restricted diet may be recommended.

If the edema is localized and due to a strain or trauma, people report have gotten good results from homeopathic products like ‘Traumeel’ & ‘Topricene’. I keep both of them at hand.

What Might Help?

Diet is always key – watch your salt intake and eat lots of vegetables
It’s always a good idea to watch your salt intake.
If your legs or ankles are puffy, it’s suggested that you elevate your legs above your heart while lying down.
Exercise your legs. This could help pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.
Some people find that wearing support stockings (sold at most drug and medical supply stores) help.
Reflexology could be a great healthy support – OR NOT – read on…

What Can Reflexology Do?

The fluid that builds up to become edema is normally brought back to the heart via the lymphatic system.

Unlike the circulatory system which has a pump (the heart), the lymphatic system relies on movements of the body to help drain it’s fluids.

Since there are no little pumps at the ends of our fingers and toes, the gentle movements of our reflexology techniques (thumb and finger-walking) at the extremities, supports the natural processes of the whole body.

Once again, I’ll remind you that reflexologists don’t treat, diagnose or prescribe.

And, I’m not even interested specifically in the movement of local fluids. My focus is on the whole body, the organs and organ systems.

But another “fringe benefit” of my reflexology work is the potential to help the fluid tides as well.

However beware, there might be some edemic conditions that don’t need this or are too weak to benefit.

Yes – that’s right, if the condition is not diagnosed – or even if it is diagnosed – and it’s advanced edema (pitted edema is advanced) – you must always check first with the doctor before working.

Why?

Because, unless you are a doctor, you don’t know if it will help or will be too much fluid movement for an obviously compromised system to handle.

No guessing here – remember, someone who is sick will have a medical team. It’s in everyone’s best interest to check with the medical team. They won’t mind or be shocked – it’s what they all do.

Now my guess is almost always that reflexology will help.

But, if someone is very ill, it’s the MD on the team that must know and approve any work before you can be sure about proceeding. They know the whole story about their patient’s health and they’ll base their recommendations on the big picture.

Your ears, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a complete medical system which has developed continuously over at least 2500 years, contain reflexology areas that when stimulated by acupuncture needles or finger pressure influence corresponding body parts. For instance, if you have stomach problems you would stimulate the stomach reflexology area on each ear; for eye problems, the eye reflexology areas.

Anxiety and ear reflexology involves stimulating the heart reflexology areas, and perhaps others too, because in TCM anxiety and nervousness usually relates to the heart. A maximum of three or four points would be selected for any one session, then pressed and rubbed for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day, until symptoms subside.

They are designed for professional use

A true professional needs a reflexology chair; there is no other alternative. They are specifically designed to position the client in the prime position for the therapy, and can be adjusted in the right spots to fit people of different shapes and sizes. Additionally they also include arm and foot rests, which are necessary for ensuring your client is comfortable and relaxed, so they are in the prime condition for a reflexology session.

They are easy to store

As they can be adjusted and folded, professional reflexology chairs can be stored easily by folding them into a small, compact shape and stashing them in a corner. This also makes them easy to take with you, if you have to meet a client or just for your own personal enjoyment and relaxation.

Not just for reflexologists

You don’t have to be a professional reflexologist to enjoy this zero gravity chair; it’s special design, arm and foot rests and removable head cushion make it a comfortable and relaxing chair for anyone. They are also available in a variety of colors, so as a piece of furniture they can match the dcor in your home.

The eastern world has also hypothesized that the body works like a tree. Its bark is our skin and its roots are our feet. Combining all these concepts can create the perfect product for detoxifying the body. Armed with this knowledge, marketers have developed a revolutionary new product, the foot detox patch.

This product combines the eastern traditional practices of foot reflexology and the natural healing power of traditional Japanese herbal medicine. They are a merger of traditional medicine and cutting edge technology. It is a marriage of sorts that combines the best of both worlds. The detox foot patches employs the benefits of traditional medicine without the hassle.

Combine a relaxing night sleep with a pad on your feet and you will reap so many benefits. Some of the benefits are deeper sleep. This helps your body recharge for the day ahead. Your body needs sleep for you to clear the mind. It is somewhat like a reset button for a computer. It also gives the body time to recuperate.

Through this product, a better immune system is also achieved. The body is not able to work efficiently because of the toxin in our body. The toxins in our body block the white blood cells and other immune-cells from latching on to infections and other disease causing bacteria. The patches get rid of the toxins.

With foot detox patches one is able to feel an overall good feeling. Do you know the feeling after you have taken a bath after a hard played game or a long hard day at work? There is a feeling of being clean all over. Extend that feeling from the outside of your body to the inside. With this product, you are literally clean all over because a truly clean body begins from the inside.

The secret is in bamboo and wood vinegars that target the organs in your body to remove toxins from the liver, kidneys and intestines through the soles of your feet. The Japanese, in ancient times, discovered the healing effects of trees as they observed nature. They found out that trees expel their waste through their skin or bark. They translated that to the human body making the bark our skin.

The benefits of the knowledge of the Japanese of detoxification are further enhanced by the traditional science of foot reflexology. You see the soles of your feet act like passage ways to the organ and gives you access. As you sleep the patch absorbs the toxins and promotes better health. As they touch the soles of your feet you are able to cleanse the body of all the toxins by targeting the organs where the waste is collected.

One reason why it is so effective is because reflexology causes your brain to dump endorphins (your body’s natural pain killer) into the region of pain.

Not only does reflexology boost your endorphins levels, it also improves the circulation in the area of discomfort, thus enhancing your body’s ability to recover faster.

Recently, I came across a fascinating study done on reflexology and shoulder pain. The study revealed that over 50% of the people had “cured” their pain condition using reflexology. WOW!

The study was conducted on 39 people (ages ranging from 49 to 58) who had shoulder pain and limited movement in the arm and shoulder. They were administered foot reflexology treatments. At the completion of treatment, 22 people had been “cured” (pain disappeared and the arm and shoulder could move freely) and 17 people had reduced levels of pain and significantly improved the mobility in the arm and shoulder.

The So Called “Magic” of Reflexology

Hundreds of times here at my office, I have seen the so called magic of foot reflexology. I am always amazed at how effective it is at removing pain and improving mobility. It always impresses me how well reflexology works for this.

Heart Felt Sharing

One of the most impressive instances was when a lady came for reflexology to help with her shoulder. For 7 years, she was not able to lift her arm up and this had caused her many problems. After just one reflexology session with me, she regained full range mobility. (I must admit, that this really amazed me that it happened so fast.)

She was so elated about her experience that she sent me an email sharing the profound healing that happened for her. Her email is so beautiful, that I asked her if I could share it with you.

Here is what she wrote:

“I wanted to thank you again for my first reflexology session Friday… I CAN LIFT MY RIGHT ARM OVER MY HEAD. I have not been able to lift my arm for 7 years!!!! Also, I feel less stressed and have been laughing all day… I was skeptical and you turned me into a believer.”

I still get a warm glow in my heart every time I read her email. It is very rewarding to know that you helped someone.

Get Back Into the Game

Not only is reflexology great for the shoulders, but it is also effective for neck, back, hips, knees, and elbows.

A Bit of a Background

Having been practiced for over a thousand years, Thai massage is a well-known element of Thai medicine. Combining manipulation, medicine, and ritual as well as diet, Thai medicine is rooted in the idea that disease occurs as a result of imbalance throughout the body’s energy system. Promoting that balance is the aid that allows for the total healing and rejuvenation of the patient. Thai massage, similar to Shiatsu, is surprisingly gentle compared to other therapies.

The Techniques Unraveled

Because Thai massage is holistic, several techniques must be learned, which are applied in two directions on the energy channels throughout the body.

One such technique is ‘blood stopping’; pressure is applied on the leg or arm arteries for about one minute, so that the principal source of circulation is cut out in order to heighten blood pressure, which slows the heart muscle contractions, which then – as the artery is released and the blood supply is restored to the organ – in turn tone down the blood pressure by creating a relaxed state. This is not recommended for those with diabetes or heart issues.

The ‘passive’ technique is performed by the therapist slowly, at several stages, by stretching and releasing the muscles and joints of the patient. Some other techniques that may be involved in Thai massage are hatha yoga or postures.

The Involvement of Reflexology

‘Reflexology’ which has also been more simply termed as ‘foot massage’ is an essential part of Thai massage. Different points on the feet are believed to correspond to specific organs, so treatment of those points can assist in healing those body parts. Enhancement of the energies in the feet is also believed to allow the patient to form a deeper connection with the Earth.

A proper Thai massage can last up to three hours, if performed on the whole body with all of the techniques that this treatment should employ. Ensure that your therapist is licensed and professional, as these techniques if performed improperly can cause damage to your body and mind. Consult your doctor if you have any particular concerns or for a recommendation.

So What is a massage? You will have a trained professional known as a massage therapist, who presses, rubs, strokes, kneads, and otherwise manipulates the muscles and soft tissues of your body. Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. The ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks are all known to have practiced it. Massage became accepted in the United States in the mid 1800′s only to disappear in the following century and not revive until the 1960′s and 1970′s.

Today, there are well over 100,000 massage therapists at work in the United States. They practice massage in many settings, from hospitals to health clubs to private studios. People go to them for many different reasons: to ease pain, to rehabilitate from injury, to reduce stress, to ease anxiety and depression, and to improve general well-being.

While there are more than 250 varieties of massage techniques, most practitioners use one or more of a few basic methods. Many use a form of Swedish massage, which employs long, flowing strokes meant to be calming and relaxing. As your body becomes relaxed, the massage therapist can also apply focused pressure to relieve areas of muscular tension. Other popular forms of massage include deep tissue massage, which features strong pressure on deeper layers of tissue, and myofascial release, in which long, stretching strokes releases the tension in the fascia (the connective tissue around the muscles). There are also the Asian techniques of acupressure and shiatsu, which use finger pressure on specific points on the body, and the technique called reflexology, which upholds that rubbing certain points on the feet, hands, or ears has a positive effect on various body parts.

What are the benefits of massage? If you have a chronic condition, massage can have numerous benefits. If done correctly, massage can provide a wonderful break from the stress of living with arthritis or another stressful condition. It can aid in relaxation, which by itself helps healing and reduces es stress. It can also reduce pain, improve joint movement, relax tense muscles, and stimulate blood flow. But, massage for those of you who have arthritis should be handled as a complementary therapy, that is, one that is used in combination with, and not to replace, other regular medical treatments such as pain medicine or physical therapy. Listed below you will find five ways that massage can benefit you, even if you don’t have arthritis.

One is relaxation. The best and probably the biggest benefit is relaxation, that’s number one. Massage should bring a sense of well-being to the body. Mary Kathleen Rose is a certified massage therapist in Colorado and after 25 years of experience, and much of that working with those with chronic conditions, she has developed a style of massage she calls Comfort Touch that is characterized by slow, broad, and surrounding pressure. It’s not known exactly why or how massage encourages relaxation. Some speculate that massage triggers the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, (which supports the body’s restorative processes), muscle tension is improved, the heart rate slows, and the fight-or-flight response is revered.

Your circulation changes. While the mechanism is not well understood, massage is also thought to encourage the flow of lymph in the body. (Lymph is a fluid that circulates throughout the body; the cells in lymph help fight infection and disease.) Massage can also increase the flow of blood. However, exercise actually has a greater effect on increasing circulation than massage does. And during a relaxing massage, local circulation may increase, but systemic circulation actually slows down, as evidenced by lowered blood pressure, lower body temperature, and slower breathing. This may explains why many people actually become cooler during massage.

You’ll get pain relief. There is some evidence that massage can actually relieve pain. Those who are getting massages certainly think it does. There was a study done by the American Massage Therapy Association that showed 93% of the people who tried a massage, felt it was effective for their pain relief and there are many theories out there for why a massage relieves pain. But, there are some researchers who speculate that massage encourages the release of pain-relieving hormones or that massage may block pain signals that are sent to the brain.

You’ll have improved joint movement. Through the use of direct pressure, massage can affect the muscles and connective tissues in the body, increasing mobility. This can help increase the range of motion in the joints and lesson stiffness in the muscles, tendons and ligaments for those who have arthritis.

There are also psychological benefits. The psychological benefits from massages are well documented. Massage can change your mood, alleviate any anxiety and depression you may have, and improve your feelings of well-being and safety and this is why so many people will turn to massage.

How do you choose the right massage therapist? Before you go looking for a massage therapist, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s a good idea for you. If you have certain conditions, such as dermatomyositis or severe osteoporosis (the thinning of your bones), your doctor may advise you not to try massages. Once you have the go ahead from your doctor, you can start looking for a massage therapist, but you will want to make sure that they have the necessary education and licensing. It might be a good idea to find one who has worked with people with arthritis and who you’re comfortable with. The person you choose should be someone you feel safe with, safe enough to tell them your needs and what you prefer. Please, don’t be afraid to give feedback if something doesn’t feel right or is uncomfortable or causes pain. A good massage therapist will ask you questions about your current medical conditions, if you’re experiencing a flare-up, or about the severity and frequency of your symptoms, such as your pain or your level of functionality.

One-handed kneading

This one-handed massage can be done fully clothed, so you can do it wherever you happen to be when the need arises.

Begin by stroking your left arm from the wrist to the shoulder, working firmly as you move up the arm and then gliding gently back down again.

Squeeze and roll the muscles of your left arm between the fingers and heel of your right hand. Start kneading on your upper arm, and work down from the shoulder to the wrist.

Use your knuckles to make rotary pressures all along your arm, working as deeply and rhythmically as you can.

Stroke one forearm with the other, slowly rotating the top forearm as you stroke from the elbow to the wrist of your other arm. This stroke massages both arms simultaneously and is very effective.

Hands

Our hands are in constant use and, as a result, they can harbor a lot of tension. Most of our hand movements are holding, clutching actions, so it is very relaxing to counteract these by opening your palm and pulling your fingers. There are many nerve endings on the palms of your hands, and massage here can benefit the whole body. In fact, in reflexology each part of the body is reflected in a in a map of the hand (or foot) and massaging a particular area of the hand will have an effect on the equivalent part of the body.

First, rub your palms together to warm them. Then use your thumb to stroke deeply between each tendon of your right hand from your knuckles to your wrist.
Stroke your left thumb firmly down the palm of your right hand and out toward the side several times in a fanning motion. Then make deep, circular thumb pressures all over your right palm.
Pull and twist each finger of your right hand with the knuckles of your left hand. Work right up to the fingertips.
Repeat the whole sequence (steps 1-3) on your left hand.

Self-massage can be particularly useful if you suffer from chronic or short-term pain. It helps stimulate the release of endorphins and diverts your attention away from the pain. Above all, self-massage lives you a sense of control over your situation.

Final touches

Just as a massage given by someone else has a defined ending phase, a self-massage needs to close on a relaxed note.

Feather stroking

Use light, feather strokes starting at your forehead and then stroke the fingertips of both your hands over your face and neck, down both arms, and leave your body at the tips of your fingers. Then stroke the front of your body, down your legs, and withdraw your touch at your feet. This movement should leave you feeling refreshed, calm, and as light as a feather.

Some popular spa body treatments for stressed New Yorkers one can find at the best spa’s in NYC include:

The Deep Tissue Massage, a service that relieves your muscles of stress and sports related muscle tension. The Swedish massage, which will improve blow food and releases, built up toxins from the muscles throughout the body. The Reflexology massage, which is utilized to effectively work through the patients pressure points in both hands and feet to relieve tension, aches, and pains throughout the body.

Reflexology for Hands and Feet: Reflexology is a form of a massage that focuses primarily on your feet and hands. Having originated in Asia, reflexology is quickly becoming more popular in New York City spa’s being that it’s quick and can even go to supplement the regular weekly manicure and pedicure (for both men and women) while relieving all the tension from the tough work week.

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are reflex areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific body parts, organs and glands. For instance, tips of the toes reflect the head, the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot, the liver, pancreas and kidneys are in the arch of the foot, lower back and intestines are towards the heel. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways. Therefore, you can get relief in places you thought were impossible to reach by simply applying pressure to the right points in your limbs (arms and legs)!

Along with these effective stress-relieving solutions there are a number of facial treatments that help to clean and restore dry winter skin to its healthy self and let the patients look their best for all the precious holiday photos. Some options include:

Aromatherapy facials, which are therapeutic facials that can visibly improve the vitality and texture of the skin by using a gentle massage technique combined with essential oils. This service is especially geared to relieve muscle tension, poor circulation, and headaches.

Light Therapy Anti-Aging Facial, which uses light and heat to reverse the effects of environmental exposures and aging. As you age, skin texture roughens, spots appear and fine lines make their debut. This treatment works deep under the skin to recapture yesterday’s glow. It can soften fine lines, homogenize skin tones, decrease pore size, improve skin texture and enhance absorption of future creams and lotions.

Because this particular student is also a massage therapist, the conversation included not just the specifics of thumb walking and reflex point locations but also ergonomics -meaning the best posture and angle to sit and work to minimize stress on the body.

Yes, massage therapists and reflexologists alike will have aches and pains from our work (and so will chiropractors and acupuncturists, etc.). Just because we have the knowledge and the power to effect positive change in the body doesn’t mean that we ourselves don’t suffer from the pain of overworked muscles or awkward body mechanics.

It is because we have the knowledge that we can deal with pain in our own body more efficiently and more and more effectively.

For example I have reflex points for most parts of the skeletal and muscular systems, so I can easily work on my own feet or hands (something that’s a little harder to do in massage, polarity, acupressure, etc.).

If it’s a pain that one of my reflexology clients has, I will address it via the feet or hands (face and ears are options too) and I can feel confident that the ensuing relaxation will offer great support.

But what’s the best way to stay in shape and reduce our discomfort when we’re not working on ourselves or having someone work on us?

You guessed it… exercise.

Now there’s a whole sub-culture based on exercise and the one thing that they all have in common is the range of motion action provided for the joints of the body.

In today’s article, I’m going to talk about the most basic and the simplest exercise that can be done by young and old alike. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity – it could be an Olympic event.

The Benefits of Walking as an Exercise

Walking is an exercise that isn’t too glamorous and you don’t need to join a gym because it can be done almost anywhere. In fact, they say that walking for just 30 to 60 minutes every day is practically the best thing you can do for your body, mind and spirit (and it’s also good for the sole).

It seems to get more and more difficult for people today to lead a healthy lifestyle. For example, there are new and more interesting snack and junk foods to distract us from the simple nutrients in simple food. In addition, eating disorders – too much or too little, the lack of proper regular exercise, and a myriad of other health diseases, increase our stress levels and almost seem to contribute to the decline in our contemporary world’s lifestyle.

What to do? Well there are many different approaches and just from the perspective of exercise there are hundreds of popular styles of training and gyrating to keep us fit, but the one exercise that is suitable for people of all ages is a good, brisk walk.

So what are the advantages of walking over say kick boxing? Well the obvious one is that you don’t have to kick anything. Both offer joint mobilization and movement throughout the body but walking is the kinder gentler of the two. You don’t need an equipment or a partner or team and it’s absolutely free! (No two year membership with penalty of leaving early costing hundreds if not thousand in equipment, training and fees.)

Benefits of walking are:

1) Did you know that people who walk tend to live longer and healthier lives? Yes, it’s been studied and found that walking just two miles a day can cut the risk of death (a serious consequence) by almost half (including a lower risk of dying of cancer).

2) Is it true that you can walk off weight by… walking? You bet. Walking is, or should be an important part of any weight loss program.

Of course, you’ve got to watch how much you eat but some weight-loss and conditioning studies have proven that walking is actually more effective than running and other more exotic activities.

Why? Because it’s virtually injury-free, and in addition to that it also has the lowest dropout rate of any form of exercise. Good points.

3) Walking also can have a positive effect on your personal habits. It makes sense that if you commit to this, or any form of exercise, you’ll be taking your health maintenance more seriously and will likely develop the pattern for follow-through in other aspects of your life. It’s been noted that smokers who begin walking will more often cut down or quit the habit.

4) Did you even realize that walking helps to reduce depression? It makes sense that a walk in the park or even an unhurried stroll down the street can help reduce the symptoms of depression. The results can be peace of mind AND body. Now that’s what I call a win-win… winner.

5) Its good for the joints and that includes arthritis: Walking can actually relieve your aches and pains by keeping the joints in movement which in turn helps activate the body’s natural fluid tides. Never underestimate the value of this simple form for support to helping anything from backache to digestion.

6) And last but not least, walking can help to boost your brain power: One study showed that walking 45 minutes a day at good pace (16-minute mile pace) can increase your thinking ability. I’ll never forget that when my Mom was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I found a book written by an MD that claimed he reduced his own symptoms of Alzheimer’s by walking daily.